The International Day for Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 every year since 1986. The day is organized by the United Nations General Assembly for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.

The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are currently an estimated 21 million forced labour victims worldwide, creating US$ 150 billion in illegal profits in the private economy each year. ILO has adopted a new legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, which is set to enter into force in November 2016.

Did You Know???

• By resolution 57/195 of 18 December 2002, the Assembly proclaimed 2004 the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition.

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed on ___________.